Tough new measures to tackle yobbish behaviour on a Stockton estate have been hailed a success.

A dispersal order was introduced in Hardwick in February to counter unruly youths blighting local streets.

As reported in the Gazette, Cleveland Police and Stockton Council's anti-social behaviour team launched the order after receiving hundreds of reports of loutish behaviour and criminal damage over the previous six months.

Police chiefs promised the new measures, which run until August 31, would ensure local people could go about their daily business without fear and intimidation.

Today Sgt Colin Whitfield, of Cleveland Police, revealed the number of anti-social behaviour calls received since the launch of the dispersal order in Hardwick has dropped by 50%.

"We are very pleased with that result," he said.

"However, the problems are still there, and we hope that by continuing to target the hardcore youths, we will be able to modify their behaviour.

"Our Police Community Support Officer, Lisa Fitzsimons, has been liaising with local shopkeepers on a regular basis and they are pleased with the effect the order has had on the area.

"We have made four arrests, some of which are going to court. We also made a four-month referral order on one problem youth who must now engage with the youth offending team.

"He was dispersed from the area along with other hardcore youths and then returned into the area in defiance of the police officers and he was subsequently arrested."

The complaints in Hardwick centred around High Newham Court shopping precinct and take-away food shops in the area, where customers and staff have suffered harassment and distress.

Shopping centre manager Tommy Rigg said: "At the minute it seems to be working really well. It's a minority of people who are causing the problems, but the police appear to be getting the situation under control."

One shopkeeper, who did not want to be named, added: "We used to have quite a few incidents of anti-social behaviour down here, but it's improved in recent weeks."

Dispersal orders were also introduced in Norton, although figures have yet to be released on their effectiveness.